The IUPAC name for C2H4 is ethylene. This is the most common name used around the world but is different to the pattern set for the homologous series for Alkenes or CnH2n. The name given is ethene, 'eth' for having 2 carbon atoms and 'ene' as it is in the Alkene series.
IUPAC and Homologous naming
The IUPAC name for C2H4 is ethylene. This is the most common name used around the world but is different to the pattern set for the homologous series for Alkenes or CnH2n. The name given is ethene, 'eth' for having 2 carbon atoms and 'ene' as it is in the Alkene series.
Mr nunan explains: